Your First Holiday After Weight Loss Surgery? Here Are Some Tips

Like more than a quarter million other Ameicans, you’ve undergone weight loss surgery this year, and you’re adjusting to your new life. 

The first year after weight loss surgery can be a time of big change. Yes, the pounds are rapidly coming off, but you’ve also made some significant lifestyle changes, namely in your eating habits. 

And these changes can be more challenging during certain times, such as during the holidays.

If this is your first holiday season after bariatric surgery, our team here at Advanced Surgeons wants to provide you with a few tips that can help you better navigate festivities that revolve around eating and drinking.

Stick to your schedule

Successfully adjusting to life after bariatric surgery often depends on controlling your environment. You set up a routine, eliminate temptations, and create a safe system within which you can comfortably function.

So when the holidays roll around and you’re at the mercy of the schedules of others, it can be daunting for the first time out.

If you have scheduled eating times, stick to those and find ways to work your schedule into the holiday one. 

For example, if you know that you’ll have a few hours before the holiday food is served, eat a small meal beforehand or pack one to take with you. Don’t skip meals so you can eat more at the party. You’ll only end up feeling not all that great afterward.

Keep the rules in place

Your eating habits are governed by new rules after your weight loss surgery. Don’t become lax about those just because it's the holiday. Eat your proteins first, stay away from carbs and fats, and don’t drink water within 30 minutes before and after you eat to help digestion.

Drink plenty of water

While you shouldn’t drink water around eating times, we do recommend that you use water at all other times to stay hydrated and keep your stomach full.

Limit the holiday cheer in a bottle

You’re able to drink after your bariatric surgery, but it won’t be the same as before. First, you’re eating far less so alcohol will absorb very quickly into your bloodstream. As a result, one drink can put you over the legal limit for intoxication when it used to take two or three drinks. 

You’re also more at risk for low blood sugar if you drink after weight loss surgery because you’ve lowered your carb intake. So we suggest that you keep your holiday drinking to a minimum.

Focus on fun rather than food

As a final point, we think it’s a good idea to put the focus on having fun with family and friends rather than viewing the holiday season as a time to eat. If you reframe the holidays and take the emphasis off food, you can relax and enjoy celebrating with loved ones.

If you have more questions about how to navigate your first holiday season after weight loss surgery, please contact one of our offices in Valhalla, Carmel, or Poughkeepsie, New York, to schedule a consultation.